[BUG] VS Code extension: startup() handshake timed out 30000ms despite CLI working (v2.1.101 Windows)

Preflight Checklist

• [x] I have searched existing issues and this hasn't been reported yet
• [x] This is a single bug report (please file separate reports for different bugs)
• [x] I am using the latest version of Claude Code

What's Wrong?

When launching Claude from VS Code extension panel (/launchclaude), it spawns the process but times out on startup handshake after 30s.

CLI (claude) works perfectly in the same terminal/project.

OAuth tokens are found ("OAuth tokens found in secure storage").
MCP servers connect ("Successfully connected transport stdio").
Plugin claude-mem loads but has "Failed to start worker" in hook.

Error:

Error spawning Claude on channel 3bfl4t35w07 Error: startup() initialize handshake timed out after 30000ms — check MCP server connectivity or auth configuration
Failed to load config cache [same error]

What Should Happen?

Claude launches successfully without timeout, like in CLI.

Error Messages/Logs

2026-04-11 145309.650 error Error spawning Claude on channel 3bfl4t35w07 Error startup initialize handshake timed out after 30000ms check MCP server connectivity or auth configuration
2026-04-11 145309.650 error Failed to load config cache Error startup initialize handshake timed out after 30000ms check MCP server connectivity or auth configuration
2026-04-11T125242.744Z DEBUG Hook SessionStartstartup SessionStart successcontinuetrue,suppressOutputtrue,statuserror,messageFailed to start worker
[Full logs: https://pastebin.com/XXXXX o allega paste.txt]

Steps to Reproduce

1. VS Code → Open Claude panel (Ctrl+Shift+P > Claude: Open Chat)
2. Launch new Claude chat (channel created)
3. Wait → timeout error.

CLI: claude succeeds.

Claude Model

Sonnet (default)

Is this a regression?

Yes, this worked in a previous version

Last Working Version

_No response_

Claude Code Version

2.1.101

Platform

Other

Operating System

Windows

Terminal/Shell

VS Code integrated terminal

Additional Information

• Project: Fashion Concept Studio
• Tried: reload window, clear cache (non risolve)
• Similar issues: #46606, #6572?
• Logs attached/full paste.txt

last logs.txt